After days of struggling, the traffic light coalition and the Union have cleared the way for the planned citizens’ allowance. Both sides reached compromises in the disputes over the planned social reform, the German Press Agency learned on Tuesday from coalition circles in Berlin. Citizens’ income is to replace today’s Hartz IV benefits on January 1, 2023.
The Union had insisted that there be more sanctions for recipients than originally planned. Such reductions in performance should take effect if, for example, the unemployed do not apply for a job, although this was agreed with the job center. The traffic light had provided for a “confidence period” of six months during which these sanctions should not apply.
In addition, the CDU and CSU demanded that those affected be allowed to keep less of their own assets if they receive the state benefit. The traffic light had provided for a saving of 60,000 euros. There should be an agreement on these points, as reported by several parties.
The FDP had previously asked the Greens and SPD to compromise. “Even more attractive additional income rules” should also be taken into account. According to the previous draft, those who earn between 520 and 1000 euros should be able to keep more of their income in the future.
It was already planned that the Mediation Committee of the Bundestag and Bundestag would lash down a compromise this Wednesday. By Friday, the Bundestag and Bundesrat are to adopt the Citizens’ Income Act. On January 1st, the salary of single people should increase by more than 50 euros to 502 euros.
